ELINOR WYLLYS. A TALE. EDITED BY J. FENIMORE COOPER, ESQ. AUTHOR OF "THE SPY," " PATHFINDER," EDITOR'S PREFACE. THERE is so much of mystification resorted to at the present time in the publication of books, that it has become proper that the Editor of "Elinor Wyllys" should explain what has been his own connexion with this particular work. The writer of this book is a valued female friend, who had a right to ask, and did ask, its Editor's advice and assistance in presenting it to the public. That advice and assistance have been cheerfully afforded, though neither has properly extended to the literary character of the work. As the author has not wished to appear, the name of the Editor has been used in obtaining the copyright, and his assistance given in forwarding and returning proof-sheets. Over a few of the last, the Editor has cast an eye; but, believing the author of the book to be fully competent herself to superintend her own work, as it has gone |